When you think of Vietnam, vibrant street markets, lush landscapes, and ancient temples probably come to mind. But what about Halloween? Surprisingly, Halloween isn’t a traditional Vietnamese holiday, yet it’s steadily making its presence felt in this culturally rich nation. If you’re a foreigner living in or visiting Vietnam and want to embrace the Halloween spirit, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll shed light on the growing popularity of Halloween in Vietnam, provide a glimpse into local celebrations, offer costume ideas suited to the climate, and give you essential safety tips. Our goal is to ensure you have a memorable and respectful Halloween experience in this captivating country.
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Does Vietnam Celebrate Halloween?
In Vietnam, the annual calendar is adorned with an array of vibrant cultural festivals and celebrations. From the exuberant Tet (Lunar New Year) to the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, these festivities hold deep cultural significance. While Halloween isn’t an official festival in Vietnam, it has found a place in the hearts of many, especially among the younger generation.
The appeal of Halloween in Vietnam lies in its universal themes of dressing up, having fun, and embracing the supernatural. These elements resonate with many locals, and you’ll find them eagerly taking part in Halloween festivities. When you wander through the streets of major cities during this time, you’ll see shops and storefronts adorned with jack-o’-lanterns, ghosts, and other spooky decorations. In its own unique way, Halloween has become a spirited and whimsical addition to Vietnam’s diverse cultural landscape.
Though the traditional practice of trick-or-treating isn’t commonly observed by Vietnamese children, Halloween offers an exciting experience for those seeking a taste of its enchantment. Across the country, various clubs, hotels, and entertainment venues organize themed parties, providing a platform for adults and families to don their costumes and join in the festivities. These Halloween events not only showcase creatively costumed attendees but also offer a chance for participants to enjoy a bit of trick-or-treating themselves. So, if you ever find yourself in Vietnam during these days, you’ll discover that Halloween is a lively and inclusive celebration, open to anyone eager to join in the fun.
Halloween Delights Of Saigon In 2023
Known for its lively streets and delicious street food, Saigon is now adding a dash of spookiness to its charm. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the exciting events and activities lined up for Halloween 2023. So, put on your favorite costume and let’s dive into the magical and eerie side of Saigon this Halloween.
Restaurants, Bars, Club In Saigon
When Halloween arrives in Saigon, it’s not just the streets that get into the spirit. The city’s restaurants, bars, and clubs come alive with the spooky and sensational. Saigon really knows how to celebrate Halloween in style! In this section, we’ll be your guide to the Halloween happenings in Saigon’s lively establishments.
1. “Deadly Glamour” Halloween Gala At Bambino
Nestled in a newly launched location, Bambino Italian Restaurant has become the talk of the town, especially among the younger crowd. Housed within a three-story old building, getting there is an adventure in itself. You’ll navigate through winding corridors, climb up creaky stairs, and finally push open those thick, mysterious doors. Inside, an Italian chef personally curates the restaurant’s menu, promising a delightful culinary journey. But during Halloween in Vietnam, Bambino transforms into something truly enchanting!
From October 23rd to November 4th, Bambino Italian Restaurant is your haunt for a spine-tingling Halloween night experience. The “Deadly Glamour” event on October 28th, Saturday, 2023, is a night you won’t want to miss. Located within the heart of Bambino Sai Gon, the evening promises a mysterious and captivating ambiance.
So, dig out your Halloween costumes, slip on your dancing shoes, and brace yourself for unforgettable Halloween parties. The event kicks off with a sit-down dinner from 7 to 10 pm, followed by a thrilling party that lasts well into the late hours. You can book your spot for dinner or party, or simply walk in for the bewitching Halloween experience!
- Main night: 28 October, Sat, 2023
- Address: 2nd floor, 29-31 Ton That Thiep, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
Drink-Drap-Dance- All for an unique Halloween at Bambino
2. Impressive Halloween Experience At BARSON
BARSON, the newest gem in Saigon’s bustling bar scene, welcomes you with open arms. Nestled within the Le Méridien Saigon’s lobby, this stylish establishment pays homage to the historic Ba Son shipyard, capturing the essence of the city’s transformation along the Saigon River. As you enter through its striking chrome doors, the warmly lit bronzed ceiling creates a cozy ambiance. With its tropical-inspired and intricate decorations, BARSON invites you to unwind at your own pace. The outside deck offers a serene riverside view, particularly enchanting as the city awakens with a myriad of vibrant lights after dark.
This Halloween, BARSON is gearing up for a memorable evening under the glittering city lights. On Thursday, the 26th of October, the night comes alive at BARSON with Halloween Ladies Night. It’s an evening of excited entertainment, great cocktails, and friends, offering all the ingredients for a fantastic night out. Ladies can revel in a special promotion, indulging in free-flow drinks for just VND 270,000++ and a 50% discount on all food items from 7 PM to 9 PM. And that’s not all – there’s a lucky draw for tickets to GinFest 2023, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night!
But the Halloween revelry doesn’t stop there! BARSON is all set to take the night to the next level with “Casa Luna” on Saturday, the 28th of October, a special Halloween edition. Get ready to paint the town red as the moon rises again over Saigon. “Casa Luna” promises a night of fantastic music, featuring a stellar DJ lineup including Xuxi, Dazed P, Determind, Lorence V, Kisu, Dustin, and a special guest – Muttiah Ashnim, Singapore’s deep techno queen. Get ready to dance the night away under the moonlight, as BARSON invites you to thrilling Halloween celebrations that promises an unforgettable evening of music and dancing.
- Main night: 26 & 28 October, 2023
- Address: G-floor, Le Méridien Saigon, 3C Ton Duc Thang, D1, HCMC
Barson is the spot for parties in town – Photo by Barson
Halloween Revelry On Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue Street
Halloween on Bui Vien Street and Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City is an electrifying experience like no other. This vibrant and bustling thoroughfare comes alive with an eclectic mix of locals and expats, all adorned in creative costumes. From the spooky atmosphere to the absurd, the street becomes a mesmerizing parade of ghouls, goblins, and pop culture icons!
Bars and clubs along Bui Vien enthusiastically embrace the Halloween traditions and spirit, hosting lively parties with live music, DJ sets, and themed cocktails, providing revelers with the perfect backdrop to dance the night away. If you’re looking for a night of spirited fun and an opportunity to celebrate Halloween parties in a uniquely Vietnamese way, Bui Vien Street is the place to be.
Halloween At Saigon’s Shopping Malls
As Halloween approaches, Saigon’s shopping malls transform into bewitching wonderlands, offering both Vietnamese people and visitors a spooktacular experience. Ghostly Halloween decorations, eerie soundtracks, and trick-or-treat stations turn these retail havens into Halloween havens. Families and friends flock to the malls, with kids dressed as their favorite monsters, superheroes, or storybook characters, eagerly awaiting the delights that await them within.
For example, Crescent Mall is a Halloween enthusiast’s dream come true. As the sun sets and darkness falls over Saigon, the enchanting FREAKY CASTLE emerges at the heart of the city. You’re invited to step through its mysterious doors, whether as a brave adventurer or a ghostly spirit. Inside, lurking goblin monsters add to the eerie fun, making it the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. From October 6 to 31, Crescent Mall offers a unique Halloween experience with thrilling games, dark parties, and spooky booths!
Hanoi’s Haunting Halloween And Beyond
Halloween in Hanoi is also a real treat. Hang Ma Street transforms into a captivating wonderland, brimming with spooky lantern displays that set the stage for a thrilling night of fun. And if you’re up for some late-night revelry, head over to the bars around West Lake, where you can dance the night away, listen to Halloween jokes, and soak in the vibrant Halloween vibes that Vietnam is known for.
But Vietnam’s Halloween experience isn’t confined to the cities. This S-shaped country offers more than just costume Halloween parties. Beyond Hanoi, you can explore the beauty of Phu Quoc’s tropical paradise, the sunny shores of Nha Trang, the enchanting lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, the vibrant Da Nang, and the breathtaking Halong Bay. So, when you’re not haunting Hanoi’s streets or Saigon, set off on a Halloween adventure across this diverse and captivating country.
Ready To Join The Fun Of Halloween In Vietnam?
In a land steeped in tradition, Halloween might seem like an outsider, but it’s found its place in Vietnam. It’s a symbol of our evolving culture and the simple joys of dressing up, celebrating life, and embracing the supernatural. Halloween in Vietnam, while not a traditional holiday, is a lively experience. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to enjoy the unique charm of Halloween festivals.
As we wrap up our journey into Halloween in Vietnam, we encourage you to join in the excitement while respecting local customs. Take part in the festivities, admire the creative Halloween costumes, and relish the enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. Amidst the spooky decorations, you’ll find a warm and inclusive atmosphere where the Halloween spirit welcomes all who want to share in the fun!
